June 22, 2010

We are busy getting ready for Season 33. Each year we receive applications from high school students interested in joining our TheatreWings High School Apprentice Program. This free education program is a pre-professional look at all aspects of live theatre. The selection process begins after a week long summer training. I wrote to several WINGS alumni to ask them what they learned in the WINGS program. Below are some responses.

“All of the staff at Charleston Stage demand professionalism of their actors and also of the WINGS kids and this is also something that I am grateful to have learned there. Colleges and future employers want to see they are going to hire a confident and professional person, and when the staff is treating you like an adult they are truly preparing you for future jobs. I believe above all else that Charleston Stage is a family and you are the babies. All of the staff love and appreciate what you are doing for the company and want to encourage you and see you succeed.” Bessie Edwards

“Wings gave me confidence in my shy self. I talk now. A lot. I don’t have to know everything in order to do a job well; I’m not afraid of asking for help and working in a team, because it ultimately makes me stronger.” Caroline O’Connor

“I don’t think of the ‘theatre skills’ when I think of the ways that participating in the WINGS program helped me in my life. What I remember is the responsibilities that were placed on our shoulders, and the trust that we would get the job done. I feel like we did so many things, and worked so hard, without any question that we couldn’t.” Ben Neuhaus

“WINGS was not just an after school program it became a second home for me. Thanks to WINGS I am now one of the top undergraduate stage managers at Brandeis. Next year I will be the only undergraduate stage managing a production for the Brandeis Theatre Company.” Alex Corsaro

During a week long Wings summer camp, students create oversized vegetables for Charleston Stage's production of BUNNICULA (Oct. 15-16, 2010).

Also during the Wings summer camp, students learn sound design and editing for Charleston Stage's production of ALFRED HITCHCOCK'S THE 39 STEPS (Oct. 29 - Nov. 7, 2010).